We’ve all seen pictures of the pensive high school senior sitting on train tracks pondering the future of his or her life.  Because, seriously, that’s what 17 and 18-year-olds do, hang out on train tracks looking for the future.

For some reason, this location is very popular for senior, family and wedding photos; didn’t we learn how dangerous train tracks could be when Buddy AND Buddy Jr lost their arms in Fried Green Tomatoes? Or Stand By Me when the kids narrowly missed being killed?!?

Well, not only is dangerous but in the state of Michigan, it’s actually illegal to be on the train tracks (yes, even for a picture) and could land you in jail and a fine.

“A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.”

They also define what the consider a violation:

Walking, riding, driving, or being upon or along right-of-way or yard

 

So, this year when your photog says "lets go to the train tracks and take a picture." Reply, "how about we go to one of these other awesome locations," like:

  • Grand Haven Pier
  • Calder Plaza
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park
  • The Fallasburg Bridge at Fallasburg Park in Lowell
  • Reeds Lake

Need more of a reason to avoid the train track picture, watch this report from ABC News:

More From 98.7 WFGR